INTRODUCTION: In the context of ski mountaineering's evolution as an Olympic discipline, especially ahead of the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Games, optimizing equipment for performance has gained prominence [1]. Central to this optimization is the ski boot, a critical component that directly influences an athlete's efficiency and mobility during both ascent and descent. The weight and design of ski mountaineering boots play pivotal roles in determining overall performance, as even minor variations can significantly affect the energy cost and mechanical workload of the skier [2]. These characteristics become particularly relevant in the high-intensity context of competitive races, where every detail can impact results. METHODS: Seven athletes (VO2max: 63.8 ml/kg/min) competing at the national level participated in the study. Each athlete completed two time-to-exhaustion tests, separated by a recovery period of two hours to minimize fatigue carryover. The order in which the ski boots (PG: Pierre Gignoux Race Pro; R: Dynafit, Rabbit) were tested was randomized to control for potential sequence effects. Both tests were conducted at a constant speed of 8.5 km/h on a 25% incline to simulate sprint competitive conditions. During each trial, kinematic data of the lower limbs were recorded using a motion capture system. The collected data were analyzed using a paired t-test to compare the results between the two boot conditions. RESULTS: No significant differences were found in the duration of performance between the two boot conditions, even when grouping the data by first and second trials. However, significant differences were observed in several kinematic parameters. Additionally, the duty cycle was found to be greater for the R boot, indicating a longer stance phase relative to the total stride cycle. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: The absence of significant differences in performance duration suggests that both boot types support comparable endurance under test conditions. However, the observed kinematic variations indicate that boot design influences joint mechanics during skiing. The greater ankle range of motion and duty cycle seen with the R boot may enhance adaptability and energy transfer during the stance phase, whereas the increased knee range with the PG boot may indicate differing load distribution strategies. These findings highlight the importance of tailoring ski mountaineering boots to the specific biomechanical needs of athletes, potentially impacting performance in diverse race formats.
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